River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Amsterdam

   Thu, May 20, 2021

   Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-worthy destination of picturesque canals, cafés and innovative galleries that showcase contemporary art and the works of world-renowned artists, like van Gogh and Rembrandt.
   You will be met and transferred from the airport to your luxurious Emerald Waterways Star-Ship and, after boarding, will enjoy some time to explore the narrow-cobbled streets and gabled houses of Amsterdam at leisure.
   This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board.

   
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Amsterdam

   Fri, May 21, 2021

   This morning, you can decide to explore the Dutch Golden Age as you board a glass top canal boat cruise to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system or enjoy a guided bike tour to Waterland.
   Both excellent ways to experience the city in all its authenticity, take to its charming waterways, passing iconic buildings and elegant merchant’s residences that reflect a time when Amsterdam was one of the most lucrative ports in the world. If you are feeling more active, then explore on two wheels, cycling alongside a backdrop of historical villages and traditional windmills.
   Upon returning to your ship, your first day of sailing will take you through the Dutch countryside to the Rhine River.

   EmeraldACTIVE
   A guided bike tour to Waterland

   Included Excursion
   A canal cruise

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   Guided tour of Haarlem (extra expense)

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   Floriade Expo Visit (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day 3
   Cologne

   Sat, May 22, 2021

   Founded by the Romans in 50 AD, the cathedral city of Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany and the largest on the Rhine. The historic capital of the Rhineland, this illustrious city has been generously peppered with ancient architecture, from Roman ruins to medieval structures, despite much of the inner city being completely destroyed during WWII.
   Join your local guide and explore the city, including the Old Town with its beautiful squares, historic monuments and contemporary architecture. Your tour will conclude at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, whose filigree twin towers form an iconic part of the skyline. During your free time, shop for trinkets or explore further before returning to your ship.

   Included Excursion
   A guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Rüdesheim

   Sun, May 23, 2021

   Today’s cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we meander through the fairytale-like surrounds of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Hilltop castles and fortresses will be yours to admire as we sail.
   We will pass the infamous Lorelai Rock, where sailors are said to have been lured onto treacherous rocks by an enchanting siren, and the impressive Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, a former stronghold.
   This afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, a town with a vibrant wine-growing heritage. You will have a choice of either riding on the Winzerexpress and visiting Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum or, if you feel active, take an active walk through a local vineyard to explore this section of the Rheingau wine region.

   EmeraldACTIVE
   An active walk through the vineyards

   Included Excursion
   Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Miltenberg – Wertheim

   Mon, May 24, 2021

   Welcome to Miltenberg, a picturesque village on the Main River, which creates an inimitable feeling of Bavarian life in medieval times due to the 15th-century half-timbered buildings.
   On your included walking tour, stroll down cobblestone streets that are lined with these colourful houses and view the Gothic Merchant Hall, an impressive symbol of past affluence created by trade from river traffic.
   Alternatively, enjoy an active walk through the forest to Mildenburg Castle. This iconic landmark was once lost to time and now houses a wonderful collection of contemporary art and old masters.

   EmeraldACTIVE
   An active walk to Mildenburg Castle

   Included Excursion
   A guided tour of Miltenberg

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Würzburg

   Tue, May 25, 2021

   Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road”, Würzburg, is a centre for grape-growing, the product of the sloping vineyard-laden hills which surround the former capital of Franconia.
   The architects behind the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence drew inspiration from a spectrum of different styles, including Viennese Baroque and secular features from Italy, but it was heavily damaged during WWII. Enjoy learning about how this impressive building was restored to its former glory with a guided tour.

   Included Excursion
   A tour of Würzburg and visit to the Bishop Residence

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   A tour to Rothenburg (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Bamberg

   Wed, May 26, 2021

   This morning, relax on the Sun Deck with a drink in hand or witness the beauty of Europe’s waterways from the plush surrounds of your cabin as we cruise to Bamberg. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed town boasts one of the largest medieval centres in Europe, with around 2,400 listed buildings gracing its streets.
   Feel the magic of the past as you explore the city with your local guide, marvelling at the opulence of the New Residence, once resided in by the prince bishops and now home to a plethora of old German and Baroque paintings from the Bavarian State collection. Enjoy a tranquil stroll around the Rose Garden.

   Included Excursion
   A guided tour of Bamberg

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Nuremberg

   Thu, May 27, 2021

   Your included excursion today is a sightseeing tour of the historic city of Nuremberg, touching on the architectural wonders that have inspired famous artists for centuries and exploring the effects that the war years had.
   After your tour, enjoy time to explore Nuremberg at leisure, passing half-timbered houses that were beautifully reconstructed following the war.

   Included Excursion
   A guided tour of Nuremberg

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   A World War II tour with Courtroom visit (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9
   Kelheim – Regensburg

   Fri, May 28, 2021

   This morning, you’ll sail the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg. As you continue sailing down the Danube, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities welcomes you with two millennia of history.
   For almost 150 years, the Old Town Hall was the seat of parliament and, dating back to the 13th century, it consists of the Town Hall Tower, the Imperial Chamber building and the Town Hall. Wander the streets with your guide as the romantic narrow alleys of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town enable you to live through the city’s history, in the present.
   The main highlight of your tour will be the 12th-century Stone Bridge, a medieval structure crossing the Danube. Enjoy time to explore Regensburg at leisure after your guided tour or return to your Star-Ship.
   Tonight, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.

   EmeraldPLUS
   A Bavarian band performance

   Included Excursion
   A guided tour of Regensburg

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   Visit to a local brewery (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day 10
    Passau

    Sat, May 29, 2021

    Passau is a picturesque city that has been shaped by the surrounding rivers over the years, sitting right on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz. This memorable destination is dominated by large squares, magical promenades and romantic lanes.
    Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through streets lined by Baroque buildings dating back to the 17th century and look at the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop’s Residence and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to the largest church organ in Europe.
    Return for lunch on board and an afternoon peacefully cruising along the Danube.

    Included Excursion
    A guided tour of Passau

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    A tour to Salzburg (extra expense)

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    A tour to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. Day 11
    Melk – Dürnstein

    Sun, May 30, 2021

    Situated within Austria’s wine-growing region, Melk is home to a 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, which is yours to explore today during an included tour. Your guide will take you through a series of opulent rooms, each adorned with the finest Italian Baroque architecture and ornate gold leaf walls, including the ancient monastic library, renowned for its extensive collection of medieval manuscripts.
    Later, the Star-Ship sails through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Dürnstein , one of the most enchanting villages in the Wachau wine region, where you can choose to hike to Dürnstein Castle, the site where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the Crusades.
    Alternatively, enjoy an EmeraldACTIVE guided bike ride along the Danube from Melk to Dürnstein, passing famous vineyards and quaint towns before settling down for a picnic lunch on the riverbanks.

    EmeraldACTIVE
    A guided bike tour along the Danube

    EmeraldACTIVE
    A guided hike to Dürnstein Castle

    Included Excursion
    A tour of Melk Abbey

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12. Day 12
    Vienna

    Mon, May 31, 2021

    Austria’s breath-taking capital is recognised for its cultural legacy. As the former residence of Mozart and Beethoven, a multitude of imperial palaces represent a rich history, and the museum district boasts contemporary buildings, housing the work of some of the world’s most prolific artists.
    Explore the famous sights of the Ringstrasse and Vienna’s city centre by coach and on foot, or join a guided bike tour. Marvel at the Renaissance-style arches that adorn the faades of the Opera House, the Baroque Burgtheater and the Flemish Gothic Parliament before enjoying time to explore Vienna at leisure.

    EmeraldACTIVE
    A guided bike tour

    Included Excursion
    A guided tour of Vienna

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    An exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (extra expense)

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    A visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13. Day 13
    Bratislava

    Tue, Jun 01, 2021

    Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn cobblestone streets. In the morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour, including the enchanting Old City or hike to Bratislava Castle.
    Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city. Pass by the botanical gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace, the Old Town Hall and its delightful Renaissance courtyard and the Slovak National Theatre, where busts of famous composers adorn the façade. After your tour, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. 
    This afternoon, a local family will be happy to welcome you into their home for some great conversation over traditional sweet treats and coffee.

    EmeraldPLUS
    Coffee and cake with a local family

    EmeraldACTIVE
    A guided hike to Bratislava Castle

    Included Excursion
    A walking tour of Bratislava

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14. Day 14
    Budapest

    Wed, Jun 02, 2021

    Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Divided by the iconic Danube River, Buda and Pest on either side can be reached via the Chain Bridge, one of the city’s most symbolic structures.
    Enjoy a guided tour of the city with your local guide this morning. Alternatively, embark on a hike to Buda Hill, traversing winding cobblestone streets underneath the massive Baroque masterpiece that is Buda Castle. 
    This evening, you will enjoy a Hungarian folklore show after your farewell dinner.

    EmeraldPLUS
    Traditional Hungarian folklore show

    EmeraldACTIVE
    A hike to Buda Hill

    Included Excursion
    A guided coach tour of Budapest

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    Tour to Szentendre (extra expense)

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    Jewish Heritage tour (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
15. Day 15
    Budapest

    Thu, Jun 03, 2021

    Today is a full day at leisure in Budapest. Your Cruise Director will be on hand to assist on you how best to spend your day. Perhaps a visit to the city market, enjoy relaxing at the local thermal baths. Tonight, enjoy dinner on board with views of the city lights.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
16. Day 16
    Kalocsa

    Fri, Jun 04, 2021

    In the morning, we’ll sail out of Budapest towards Kalocsa, best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. Traditional folk art and culture are yours to discover here, as you sail through one of the oldest towns in Hungary.
    This afternoon, you’ll venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. Relax as you watch their spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills, most of which were readily practiced for wartime.
    Tonight, your crew will welcome you for a Welcome Dinner & Reception.

    EmeraldPLUS
    A traditional Hungarian horse show 

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
17. Day 17
    Osijek

    Sat, Jun 05, 2021

    Cruise into the border region of Croatia and into Osijek, a historic university town full of leafy boulevards and promenades. Damage from the Homeland War is still visible across the city, but it is easily forgotten when you immerse yourself in the peaceful surrounds that can be found here.
    Today, you will be able to meet students from a local village who will be delighted to perform for you during your EmeraldPLUS excursion, before embarking on a walk around Osijek Fortress, nestled in the centre of the romantic old town. This ensemble of well-preserved Baroque buildings is laid out like a traditional star fort, with bastions, armouries, a guardhouse and a military hospital all protected within its walls.
    Later, sail further down the Danube and into Serbia, where remnants of recent conflicts can be seen on the riverbanks.

    EmeraldPLUS
    Visit the home of a local Croatian family

    EmeraldPLUS
    Meet the local village students

    Included Excursion
    A guided tour of Osijek Fortress

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
18. Day 18
    Belgrade

    Sun, Jun 06, 2021

    The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities, including Belgrade Fortress. Relax as your coach takes you through the centre of the city, where remnants of a chaotic past look out of place among peaceful surrounds.
    Witness the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest church buildings, and stop for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia. Enjoy learning about the life of the leader of the Partisans, Josip Broz Tito, and the way that they became one of the most effective resistance movements in occupied Europe. Alternatively, learn about the history of Belgrade during a guided bike tour of the city.
    This evening, relax in the Horizon Lounge and watch a traditional Serbian folklore show.

    EmeraldPLUS
    A Serbian folklore evening show

    EmeraldACTIVE
    A guided bike tour

    Included Excursion
    A guided tour of Belgrade

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    A tour of the National Opera Theatre (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
19. Day 19
    Golubac – Donji Milanovac

    Mon, Jun 07, 2021

    In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube. Today, you will have the opportunity to visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir on an included excursion. Enjoy learning about the importance of this archaeological site and its illustrious history, spanning more than 8 millennia. Archaeologists have used this site to track the development of prehistoric culture in Europe, and numerous Stone Age settlements have been found in the area.
    The day ends as we sail through the Iron Gates, a scenic narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps.

    Included Excursion
    A visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
20. Day 20
    Vidin

    Tue, Jun 08, 2021

    This morning, we’ll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria. Situated on the right bank of the Danube, it is one of the oldest along the Bulgarian Danube bank, prospering from the surrounding countryside, renowned for producing wines. Your included tour will introduce you to the best of Vidin’s viticulture, as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting of their produce.
    Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name can be translated to mean “Granny Vida”. Construction began on the fortress in the 10th century, and it has been steeped in legend ever since. Alternatively, hike to Belogradchik Fortress, a well-preserved stronghold that sits against a series of impressive rock formations.

    EmeraldACTIVE
    A hike to Belogradchik Fortress 

    Included Excursion
    Visit a local vineyard for a tasting & Baba Vida Fortress

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
21. Day 21
    Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

    Wed, Jun 09, 2021

    Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse. You will have the opportunity to visit Veliko Tarnovo, stopping to learn about its rich history as the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. This medieval city was built atop three hills, and its fortifications and cobbled streets are certain to delight history lovers.
    Nearby, Arbanasi sits on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra River. Each street in the area is lined with traditional houses, and old churches offer centuries of exploration during your guided tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi.
    Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels and monasteries. Witness the incredible nature of the 14th-century painted frescoes and learn about their composition and the emotional atmosphere that they convey, something that was far ahead of its time.
    Tonight, your crew will welcome you on board for a Farewell dinner.

    EmeraldPLUS
    A choir concert in Arbanasi

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Hike to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo

    Included Excursion
    A tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
22. Day 22
    Giurgiu – Bucharest

    Thu, Jun 10, 2021

    This morning, relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we drive towards Bucharest, including the Romanian city of Giurgiu, set amongst the mud flats and marshes of the Danube.
    Visit the Spring Palace to see the elegant exterior of a well-kept secret and the plush interior of the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu, before enjoying free time to explore the city at leisure. Learn about Bucharest’s vibrant history on a guided coach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament.
    This evening, settle into the comfortable surrounds of your hotel, perhaps going for a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel.

    Included Excursion
    A guided drive through Bucharest

    
    Meals: Breakfast
23. Day 23
    Bucharest

    Fri, Jun 11, 2021

    After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Great Hungarian Plain and medieval fortresses with you. 

    This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.

    
    Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

Health and Safety Protocols for Emerald Waterways

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers